A Week of Crafts

As promised here are all of the projects that I did over my spring break along with the links of where I found the tutorials!

Sunday: I covered a mason jar with scrapbook paper! I took glue and added water to it to create a thinner paste that would allow for the paper to bend to the jar (about a 1:3 ratio of water to glue, just add enough water to glue before it turns runny). Like a modge podge! Afterwards I painted the entire jar with the paste to make sure none of it would fall off.

Monday: I've had my Bible since middle school and it's starting to fall apart so I recovered it! I used hot glue to glue down the base brown fabric, then made another hair pin flower to cover up the closure that was already there. Anyone who knows me knows that I usually have something in my hair; a bow, a flower, a clip or something! So I made some hair pins inspired by some that a friend had made. To make the flowers I tied a knot at the end of the fabric, then twisted the fabric and glued it in a circular motion around the knot. To make them thicker I twisted it less and built it up more instead of out! The bows were squares with a strip of fabric glued together in the middle to pinch it.

Tuesday: I woke up in a baking mood. Since I live in a dorm I can't really cook or bake while I'm at school because it's not convenient or sanitary! I had found a recipe for double chocolate raspberry cupcakes and they looked too good to pass up! However I should have fully read the directions first to realize that they weren't going to be simple to make, but they were oh-so worth it! I also found the cutest blog and made a lace infinity scarf from her tutorial!

Wednesday: On pinterest I had found these wristlets which were simply adorable, so I made two of course! My mom tells me I'm ridiculous and I am completely aware, but I'm okay with that. That day my roommate texted me and asked if I knew how to make these shirts she had seen, or if I could figure it out. So at about 8pm we started our project, and it was super simple! Now we have matching roomie shirts!

Thursday: Skirt day! I finished a skirt from when my friend Brittany came home with me. We were able to finish hers while we were home but got rather confused so we only had enough time for one! While the tutorial took some editing and adjusting to get it to fit, I think it turned out well. I also made another skirt, and this one is completely opposite from the yellow folded mini skirt! It's a lace ruffle skirt to help make those certain dresses a tad bit longer, and my favorite part, a little bit spinnier!

Friday: I decided to be creative today and make my own skirt. Inspired by the folded mini skirt I wanted to do something similar but easier, so I designed my own and it was a blast! This is all you get to see for now and I will have tutorial for you soon!

Saturday: A friend of mine asked me to make a dress for her, for her rehearsal dinner for her wedding in June! So I put that together Saturday, minus a couple of details so that it can be fitted to her later. While this is not her, and her fabric is slightly different here is what the pattern looks like!


And these were my spring break crafts! A week of crafts and a week of bliss. I've missed creating things, and I think I certainly got my fill to last me a while.

*Joy of the day: church and brunch with a lovely friend with a dear heart!

Spring Break

            Last week was my spring break, and it was indeed a much needed break. Many of my friends went of mission trips or vacations, but I just went home which was all I needed! It was a week full of family, crafts, and friends. I didn’t do a single piece of homework, which is hard to believe but that is what I needed to do in order to fully rest.

The dump truck birthday cake was a hit!

forks are for babies!

            The first weekend I was home we celebrated my little brother’s 2^nd birthday, even though his birthday is not till later this month, in his eyes he is now officially two! It was full of trucks and trains, cake, crazy children, and a sleepy birthday boy. The poor kid didn’t make it through his own party; he fell asleep while we were watching “I’m Elmo and I Know It” on my phone. But I was in heaven! He’s past the point of falling asleep while you’re holding him so this was a rare and special treat for me especially since I am only home every so often!

All dressed up to see the Lorax

            Later in the week I was able to have my little sister skip school (teaching her good habits early!) and take her to see the Lorax. It was so special to get time to spend with just her, and she thought so too since she decide the event called for her special Christmas dress! She’s almost five now, and quite the little chatterbox. I got to hear all about school, her friends, swimming classes, and my favorite quote was “BigSis there was this monster in Monsters Inc. who coughed without covering his mouth and he got germs everywhere!” I am so proud that I have taught her well at such an early age! For the movie she decided that she would much rather sit on my lap then in her own chair, which I didn’t mind at all. So we snuggled and watched the Lorax, which was quite cute!

            Through out the week I enjoyed spending time with various friends from high school and catching up with them. I only got to see a few of them, and I wish I had made time to see other people who were home. But the people that I did see are the types of friends who you pick up where you left off, and those are the friends that you never truly left. I got to hear about how God is working in their lives, whether they see that or not, and hear all about their plans for next year as this school year starts to draw to a close. I love hearing stories from freshman about their college experiences because without fail God has put them where they needed to be, put people in their lives when they needed it and shown them his love without fail. And that is something joyful to hear!

            All week I seemed to have different craft projects going! And let me just say it was wonderful. I covered a mason jar, made hair flowers/bows, recovered my Bible, made two skirts, made a dress for a friend, made cupcakes, made two wristlets, started a bag (I couldn’t find handles to finish it), made a shirt with my roomie (tutorial and pictures coming soon!!!), made an infinity scarf, I made dinner a couple of times… and I think that’s it! There will be another post coming soon with all of the things I did along with links to tutorials from other wonderful blogs that I found over break!

Watching Veggie Tales- my personal favorite!

            While I was very ready for a break I had a physiology test the Friday that we got back that I knew I should be studying for over break but made the conscious decision not to. I made the decision to rest. We had talked a lot this semester at large group for InterVarsity about Sabbath and resting, so I took my break to rest. I surrendered my worries and anxieties to God about my test and school work, so I could enjoy this break with him and relax. God used that week to restore me and give me energy and motivation to study hard this week for my test. 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxieties on him for he cares for you.” I relied on that verse during break, because God cares for me, and he is bigger than my anxieties. And His plans for his kingdom are bigger than any physiology test; therefore I have nothing to worry about. So I rested, not only from schoolwork but in His promises and it was a wonderful break!
*Joy of the Day: getting to catch up with a sweet friend over lunch!

Yo-Yo Head Bands

Here's a tutorial for hairbands using yo-yos!

Materials:

• Fabric
• Circular object (size will influence size of yo-yo)
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Hot Glue Gun
• Needle and Thread
• Button
• Elastic

1) Cut the fabric that you want to be the headband into strips of fabric, about 18 inches long. Turn wrong sides together, sew, and turn right side out!

2) Cut elastic (based on your head size) and insert it into the two ends of the band creating the headband. (Make sure your headband or the elastic isn't twisted when you sew the final side together!)

 

3) To make the yo-yos use a circular object to trace circles out of a contrasting fabric to the headband. The yo-yo will be about 2/3 the size of the original circle. I used the base of a water bottle and a cup for various circle sizes.

4) Sew around the top of the circle, creating a seam. (So fold a little bit of the fabric inside so it will create a clean edge along the top).

5) Once you have sewn all the way around the top begin to pull it tight, creating a gathered effect.




6) Pull the thread tight or until the circle is the size you want it to be, then tie off the thread.

7) Complete steps 4-6 for each headband until you have the desired amount of yo-yos. For flowers I'd recommend 5 yo-yos, for non-flowers then I suggest three with a variety of sizes.



8) Attach the yo-yos to the headband, either through sewing or hot glue in the desired arrangement. Add buttons or embellishments for an extra touch too!

Here are some variations on the yo-yo headband! You can also use lace as the base of the headband for a more sophisticated look, and try different fabrics to get a more textured look. 

And tahh dahh!!! You are all done and ready to wear!

*Joy of the day: An adventurous morning running a 5k "with" some sweet friends!

Fabric Flower Hair Clip Tutorial

Here is a little tutorial on how to make little flower hair clips:

Materials:

• Fabric (great way to use up scraps)
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Circular object (size depends on how big you want the flower)
• Hot glue gun
• Felt (neutral color)
• Clip (aligator clip or a normal hair clip)
• Coordinating button

1) Use a circular object to trace and cut out circles to make the "petals." I used the base of my water bottle and needed about 9 circles to complete the flower.

2) Cut a circle out of the felt about the same size of the petals, but make sure it will cover the clip.

3) Take one circle and put a small dab of hot glue in the middle. Fold the petal in half like a burrito, squishing the glue so it will stay. (*warning the hot glue is HOT and can go through the fabric depending on what type of fabric you use! And yes this comes from experience...)

4) Put another small dab in the middle of the petal, and fold the petal in half once again. So know you have a petal that has been folded into fourths. Repeat steps 3 & 4 for all of the petals!

5) Put a small dot of glue on the back of the first petal and place the tip in the center of the felt circle. Continue to do this for the rest of the petals, overlapping them slightly to create a "flowered" look.

 

6) After all of the petals are on flip the flower over to the back to attach the clip. Cut a small piece of felt, the same size as the bottom part of the clip. Open the clip so when you put glue on it you won't glue it shut! Place hot glue on the top of the clip (the part that normally goes up when you would put a clip in your hair) then place the clip on the felt. Glue the small piece of felt between the top and bottom of the clip to prevent it from getting glued together and it will prevent it from getting stuck in your hair!

7) Add the button or whatever embellishment that you wish to the front center, and your flower is complete!

Tadahhh!!!! All ready to wear!

You can also use less formal fabrics, for a casual feel!

Let me know if you have any questions or difficulties!

*Joy of the day: Watching 27 Dresses and eating ice cream with my suitemates!

Rainy Thursday

            I love the rain. I love the sound it makes when it hit my umbrella. I love the way it seems to dance as it falls. I love the way it has of calming everyone down a little bit. I love how everyone’s umbrellas, rain jackets and rain boots make the gray pop with color. I love how beautiful the rain truly is.

            Sometimes rain does have a way of changing your plans, but they usually just make your plans a little cozier. You’re given a free pass to curl up with a blanket and a cup of tea, or to do crafts, or to snuggle up with friends and watch a movie. While there may be other things that you’d like to be doing that the rain has prevented, look around and see what you get to do because of the rain!

            If it weren’t raining this morning I wouldn’t have worn my favorite scarf, to have that extra hug around my neck. I wouldn’t have come back right after class, snuggled in with my fuzzy blanket, turned on calming music and gotten a lot of work done. I wouldn’t have changed lunch plans to eat with a friend who I haven’t seen in weeks. I wouldn’t get to see little pieces of personality on campus through people’s umbrella choices. I wouldn’t have made myself a cup of my favorite tea and eaten a cookie from my grandma. There are so many things that I would have missed this morning if it were sunny!

            Like so many other things God puts in my life, rain has a way of making me calm down. This week I have been rushing around getting ready for this test, trying to keep up with my other classes, trying to keep myself healthy, and still stay in touch with society. It’s already Thursday, and I am tired. I had a list of things to do today, but because it’s raining I just want to stay wrapped in my blanket and do those things later. So that’s what I plan to do! God gave me rain today to rest. To calm down, take a step back, and just listen. This is why I love the rain. It forces me to let God be God, and for me to rest. Exodus 14:14 says “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” The rain forces me to be still, to let God fight for me because I am only going to wear myself out.

            On days when I wake up and it’s raining, I’m excited! I’m excited to rest, to be snuggly and to put my to-do list aside because it will still be there tomorrow. The rain is a reminder that I am human, and I am constantly wearing myself out and if I don’t take these moments to rest God will give me opportunities to seek His peace. Today I am thankful for rain.

*Joy of the day: Dry socks! I didn’t realize my rain boots had holes in the bottoms of them, so when I cam back from class my feet were wet and cold. I’ve never been more excited for dry and warm socks!

Some of my favorite rainy things: 

• A website that sounds like rain (very calming)
•  Singing in the Rain
• Colorful Umbrellas 

"Sarah Logic"

     Whenever I seem to have a big test or project coming up I always find a way to avoid it. I am not necessarily a procrastinator, doing work at the last minute makes me nervous, instead I seem to find myself doing other work that isn't due until days after the test or project. This week I am starting to study for two tests; anthropology and physiology. The -ology at the end means "study of..." and it certainly does mean the study of... a lot of material!

     I am most nervous about my physiology test. The material is very interesting and I am fascinated by the class, however there is a lot of very specific information and technological terms that I'm going to have to learn before this test. At the beginning of the semester I planned on studying a little bit every day, reviewing my notes later that day after class, going to my professor's office hours when necessary; the usual requirements for staying on top of a lot of material. But I never fully implemented that plan, I've kept up with parts of it but not enough where I feel prepared for this test! 

     Now it is over a week before my tests, and I am trying to start studying while keeping up with my other homework. But I'm doing classic "Sarah logic." I'm avoiding the tough part. I'll do all my other work, maybe even read a little bit ahead just so I don't have to open my physiology notes and find out all of the information I don't know. I'll bribe myself with little breaks if I can make it through six slides of information... SIX! That's pathetic. I know that if I studied and worked hard that I would learn the material with plenty of time to spare before the test, but because I am so apprehensive about it, I'm avoiding it. If I don't know about it then it doesn't exist right? This is the "Sarah logic."

     I was thinking about my "logic" this afternoon, and God pointed out to me that school work isn't the only area that I apply my "Sarah logic." In my life I will avoid making changes that I know are going to be difficult and lengthy, because I know they are going to be a challenge and I am afraid of failing. If I pretend those areas of weakness aren't there, then maybe I won't have to fix them for a while longer. But this "logic" doesn't fix anything, in fact it tends to make things worse.

     When I avoid I get anxious, I get tired, and I try to control things that I have absolutely no control over. Through spending time in God's word I've realized that the changes he wants me to make are for the best, always. That I have to start with baby steps to end up going anywhere, otherwise I'm going to become cemented in one spot or complacent. God also realizes that this isn't going to be easy, which is why he promises to never leave me and to love me through the challenges. He throws my "Sarah logic" out the window.

Philippians 4:6-7  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

1 Peter 5:7  "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

1 Corinthians 9:26-27  "Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

Romans 8:28  "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

      Don't doubt that the Lord has given you anything you can't handle, any change that is too big. He is with you and knows your worries and fears. God has a perfect plan for those that love him, but you must surrender control. And in this trial and change don't be aimless, do the hard work so you can bask with God in the joy that will come!

*Joy for the Day: Beginning the week after a fabulous weekend with family and a sweet friend! And then having God use something very concrete in my life to speak truth into my life.